Meet Weekend

Now firmly re-established
on the racing calendar, the annual Richmond Cyclists’ Meet is a popular
attraction for riders and spectators, both locally and nationally. Held
every Spring Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May, 3
quality events offering something for everybody, both competitively and
non-competitively.

Swaledale SPOCO Time Trial

Thursday evening sees riders compete for the Swaledale Trophy during
the CTT registered Swaledale SPOCO Time Trial. The course is approximately 26 miles
with a 'bit of a climb' in the middle.
Racing begins from Round Howe, Richmond at 7pm.

5 Dales Cyclosportive

The 5 Dales Cyclosportive is increasing in popularity year on year. This year the routes will repeat last year's to accommodate the TDF Stage 1 climbs.

Event timing and rider reconciliation are provided by Sportident Timing Systems together with online entry and mechanical support, First Aid
and feed stations are provided. The HQ facilities with parking, changing and registration at Richmond School are second to none and there is a live display of rider times and a hot meal provided at the
end for all riders (n.b. all included in the entry fee).

Grass Track Meeting

Perhaps the most novel of the Richmond Cyclists’ Meet events is the
Grass Track Meeting on the town’s cycling track. The grass track on the
cricket field in Richmond is 1 of only 3 banked cycling-specific tracks
in the country and is arguably the best ! Racing on the track dates back
to the late 1800s, when local bookies would take bets on the riders, who
gave their bikes, which were Penny Farthings", names – much like horse racing. Richmond’s population
would treble in size with spectators coming to witness the spectacle of
the racing and the morning carnival parade through the historic market
place, In the early days of the Olympics, the Meet was an Olympic selection event.

The parade starts from the Grass Track at 10am. It’s a fantastic
event and is growing in popularity with the riders, there's hot food and a licensed bar on site in the
Cricket Clubhouse and last year over 1000 spectators lined the
banks of the track. The jewel in the crown of the grass track meeting
is the British Cycling National Championship race – in 2013 the 800m sprint championship at 1pm supported by a round of the 8km National Endurance Series. Locally, the most popular race is
the inter-club championships, where local clubs compete for the
“Richmond Cobble”. Racing kicks off at 12pm and usually concludes by 4pm, after which Richmond Cycling Club extend an invitation to all to
join them for a wind down celebration in the Cricket Club. There are also childrens races for all ages and abilities, just a bike, helmet and enthusiastic parents needed !